The Early Riser

I know these are the longest days of the year, and I love that about summer.

BUT, this member of our household, the Rearranger, thought it would be a good idea to begin the day at 4:44 AM.

She was sitting by my pillow, pulling my hair and doing what she could to make something happen.  (I have a lamp with a pull chain beside the bed and she has even turned that on occasionally to get attention.)

I gave up at about 5:15 AM, and got up.  I pushed the button on the coffee maker, gave the cats their treats, and by the time I sat down with a cup of coffee, she was taking a nap.  Go figure.

Ahh, to have the life of a cat!

Ten on Tuesday

Carole has an ongoing challenge and way to participate on Tuesdays, with a different subject addressed each week.  (You'll find Carole here.)

This week the task is to think of ten great activities that make you feel like a kid again.

1.  Getting a new box of crayons.  (especially if it's a real big box!)

2.  Eating fudgicles.

3.  Bike riding

4.  Taking a canoe out alone.  Awkward, but fun.  A kayak is easier.

5.  Swimming in the lake, rather than a pool.

6.  Picnics---with sandwiches and watermelon.

7.  Watching Bugs Bunny.

8.  Snow angels

9.  Being outclassed in game playing by a superior opponent.  When I grow up, I'll be good at this game.

10.  Roasting marshmallows.

Troll Land

Sunday afternoon in Troy, Michigan finds us hanging out in our room, watching golf, and writing.

We need to recuperate after yesterday which we spent with The Kid, schlepping from one crowded place with little parking to another.  We went to the Eastern Market in downtown Detroit--a wonder of plants, vegetables, and specialty shops.  We have often been there before, wisely going on weekdays.

It was a whirling, swirling bazaar on the weekend, really something to see.

Our second adventure took us all to the Detroit Zoo, another popular destination on a sunny Saturday.  We took special joy in seeing the penguins, the lions, and flamingos.  Many large animals were having a siesta in shady spots---and by the time we left I envied them with all my heart.

For dinner we braved another crowd to have a tasty meal at Red Lobster.  The Kid didn't care where we ate, and Good Guy always likes to give me a treat if he can.  And I love Red Lobster, so off we went.

I don't think anything amazing happened during our time together, but it was very good to see him healthy and employed and have him see that we are aging in a semi-dignified manner, just as he expected of us.  So we can part without having to worry about each other.

I did impart some secret family information to him, which he requested.  Namely my secret for excellent pie crust----my only culinary triumph.  I wrote it out for him, and as he tucked it into his wallet, he said he'd memorize it and burn the paper, in true spy fiction manner.  The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Our weather forecast is for really bad thunderstorms late this afternoon, so we are staying put until the morning as we originally planned,  The Kid has to leave for a week or more in Nashville by five P.M. so our visit is officially over.

We will do this more often, I think.

Let's Hear Some Good News.

These won't be full news stories, more like the condensed version on the left hand side of the front page  for people who buy the paper to check the obituaries, but like to get a little dose of news.

The movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, was delightful!  We both enjoyed it very much.

We are also regarding ourhi two days of rain showers as a great bit of good news.  My garden is loving it!  And the lawns are deciding not to go dormant after all.

All my kids were together on Sunday to salute their father.  I don't know how long it's been since they've all been under one roof, but I know they had fun.

I am struggling to finish my WORDS quilt, mostly because I'm anxious to work on something else.  I make myself go work on it one section at a time.

I get the day off tomorrow because I'm traveling with and spending the day with old friends from my nursing class.  While we were training to be nurses, there was a program that lasted three straight years, called a diploma program which trained RNs.  We got lots of practical training working with  patients, and our classes had to do with what we had to know to be nurses.  We didn't get art, or music appreciation, or comp and rhet, but we did get sociology and psychology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry.  I never thought about it at a time, but it was three years of vocational school.  And it was tough.  More than half of our class washed out or decided nursing wasn't quite what they thought it was.
Our hospital didn't have programs in psych, obstetrics, or communicable diseases---so we got shipped off in small groups----in rotation, to learn these lessons elsewhere.  These two friends were with me all through training and they know things about me nobody else knows.

Well, that turned into a feature story.  I look forward to our day together, as you can well imagine.

The Photographer will be house-sitting this weekend while we travel to see Good Guy's younger son who will be near Detroit.  I am hoping for a not too hot weekend, but even if it is, we can find us some air conditioning.

Two of my quilts will be on vacation this weekend at a Florence County Historical Show.  (They aren't old quilts.  Their only distinction is that my friends asked to borrow them.)

My last bit of news is that I got to go to the DeYoung Family Zoo and meet this fellow---at a respectful distance.

His name is Wallace.  

Fathers' Day

It seems that Fathers' Day never gets quite as much promotion as Mothers' Day gets, but let me take a moment to pay tribute to the father who lives here with me.

In the complicated way of families nowadays, this dear man isn't the father my own kids honored yesterday, but Good Guy raised two fine boys basically alone.

Their mom was there during their young life, but by the time they were school age, it was just the three of them.  So GG was the cook, laundry guy, and occasionally--the janitor.  When I look at the pictures they took I see lots of smiling and lots of kittens and cats.  They took trips and went places.  They ate out at exotic (like Chinese) restaurants, where the kids ate rice if they didn't want to try new foods.  He drove long distances so they could visit their mom during the summer.

He wasn't planning to spend his life teaching English, but to provide stability for the kids, he stayed put where they were.  For a man who loves to travel, it was a sacrifice.  

The sons have said to me, "The best thing our mother ever did for us was to leave us with Dad!" I think they're right.  

Two Years Today

It is two years today since I made my first blog post taking The Step with such trepidation.  And so many people gave me good advice about just being myself and writing about what interests me.

I, like you probably, get discouraged when there are no comments, and I sometimes have nothing very interesting to share with you---so I really don't deserve any comments.  But I am always happy about the interesting, kind, and funny people I have met while doing this.

Because of blogging, I have found (in no particular order), people of enormous faith and obedience, good role models, good books, wonderful yarns and patterns to try, funny-funny-funny people, ways to share my talents, and a host of other daily joys.

Because of blogging, I have examined my relationships. I have searched for fine yarns, I have researched charities (and found some sadly wanting).  I have cared about dogs, cats, and people I will never meet.  I have even taken a few pictures.  I have tried some of your recipes.  I have loaned money to Kiva.  I have written letters and sent postcards overseas.

So, in short, I love what the people who also blog have done and said to enrich my life.  I am not convinced that I add a whole lot to this mix, but I think it reminds me of the book Captain Kangaroo used to read when my kids were growing up.

Remember Stone Soup?  The soldiers need some food, and nobody in the town has anything to share, so the soldiers begin making soup, beginning the broth with water and a rock.  The townspeople begin bringing their onions, carrots, turnips, and other foods to add a little to the broth.

Together we are a savory dish.  We all bring something different to the stew, whatever our interest may be.  We contribute little kids, grown kids, grandkids, pets, scenery, exercise, pain, joy, love, and friendship.

Today I thank you for your friendship.  I am truly grateful!

Friday Again

Come on over here and join up with the happy band that gathers their bit together and links up with Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissin' Time.

Before you head on over there, wait a minute to see if I came up with any scraps worth reading.

1.  Good Guy is a devotee of the Farmer's Market, and he was tickled to read that Green Bay's excellent FM was open on Friday when he was passing through.  He came home with bags of green onions, radishes, the teeniest potatoes, and strawberries.  We scarcely could fit them into the refrigerator.  He was looking forward to eating sugar snap peas, too, but didn't want to buy them at the first place he saw them---so forgot about buying them altogether.

2.  We celebrated his birthday at a restaurant that takes the percentage equaling your age off your bill.  (Just for the birthday celebrant.)  We had two daughters and a son join us for our meal, and a jolly time was had by all.  The food was delicious and the company was excellent.

3.  The park at the end of my street used to have a skateboard court for the kids.  I don't know why it isn't there anymore, and I'm ashamed to report that I have no idea how long it's been gone.  My neighbor thinks there were city liability issues that decided its fate.  I kind of miss the kids, though.

4.  Our weather has turned cooler for a couple of days.  In fact, we had frost advisories for Wednesday night.  We were OK here, but my friends were happy they had covered the tomatoes.  We are well pleased with our garden so far with tomato and pepper plants looking hardy, and seeds germinating nicely.  It is very satisfying for me to be staying way ahead of the weeds---so far.

5.  I've read two short juvenile fiction books this week, both of which deal with Scandinavian countries, WW2, and the sheltering of Jewish children or families.  I enjoyed them both, and they were followed by Unbroken which I was reading for book club.  It inspired a lot of discussion and gave me some insight into why some WW2 veterans never got over their wartime feelings toward the enemies they fought against.
    I was appalled at the numbers of our airmen who lost their lives because of the unreliability of the planes they were flying!  It is mind-boggling!

6.  We are entering a season of doctor appointments, not because of illness, but just general maintenance.  Cats are due for exams/shots,  I'm due for eye exams and possible glasses changes, the dentist is requesting my presence soon, and I can hear the sound of the cash register abroad in the land. Don't send me any requests for bail or even a beer.  Maybe after summer is over.

7.  Speaking of money, I loaned my copy of 29 Gifts to my pal, Lucy.  She loves the book, and brought me two yards of fabric for my WORDS quilt.  I guess I will have to loan the book to all my friends.

I am not really that mercenary---or that poor.  I'll gladly spring for a cool beverage for you!  But for bail, you're on your own!

Leave us some fragments, and read and comment on the others.  They're a hoot.

Long May They Wave

This day is a Big Day here in Yooperland!  Nationally we Americans are celebrating Flag Day and the flags are very evident in town, particularly around the VA Hospital.

My brother-in-law is an employee there and it's his wedding anniversary, so I tease him about the government recognizing his exemplary work as a devoted husband by flying flags in front of his workplace.

But the real reason the flags are all flying to day is because it is Good Guy's birthday.  He's ambivalent about celebrating reaching Geezerhood, but it beats the alternative.

Happy Birthday, Good Guy.

Happy Anniversary, Little Sister and FOS.

The Foundling

If you visit me very often, you are familiar with my propensity for losing things, or leaving things behind when visiting strange places.

This morning when I went to the Present-Wrapping Storage Area so I could wrap Good Guy's birthday gift, what do you suppose I found?!???

Perhaps I should leave one in the car, or in my purse.  Oh, the opportunities for losing one again are endless!!!

A Brush With John Law

Well, here's something curious!

In my mail two days ago, I got a communication from the 36th district court of the City of Detroit.  They were notifying me that I had committed a parking violation on May 18, 2004!

My payment of $70.00 is expected forthwith, or I shall have to forfeit my driving privileges.

Not only did I no longer have the vehicle bearing the license plate they mentioned, I had a journal entry placing me squarely at home on that date.

I called the number they provided which, (after making my way through the phone option maze) informed me that I would have to "provide documentation" that I had disabled that registration plate.

Right----documentation-------after eight years!

I am thinking there's a statute of limitations on parking tickets.  If there is one for felonies, I'm thinking by the time we get to court on this, I will be too old to drive anyway.  What do you think?

Friday Fragments

Well, here we are again on a Friday, gathering together our bits and scraps that are too minimal to build a real post about, but for some reason we need to mention them.

Our hostess is the fabulous Mrs. 4444 of Half Past Kissin Time.   If you would like to link up, and you have fragments, you are welcome, too.

1.  Do you recall the days when baseball announcers on TV used to "call the action" the way the radio announcers used to.  Of course, there was no need to do that since you could watch the game.  Now they explain the pitches, and strategy.  They try to make a really simple game sound like rocket science.

2.  I am unhappy Detroit Tiger fan.  They are truly hapless this year.  Even the "strong pitching" is lame.

3.  Graduation season again, which reminds me of my son's speech the year he was the head cheese, and was responsible for a speech.  He saluted the kids who would stay in town and keep the town going so there would be someplace to come home to, for the kids that were leaving for college, or work in the city, or the military.  I thought that was pretty unique.

4.  Ray Bradbury is no longer among us.  I salute him: for he was still writing beautifully at the age of 91!  What a wonder!   RIP, Ray.

5.  Comment count managed to make it to 100 as of today.  Very disappointing.

6.  Daughter #2 will be back for a visit next week.  I'm not sure that her family and friends are even the main reason for her trip, since her bro bought a ticket for her to attend next Friday's Barry Manilow concert.  (She's been a devoted fan since she became aware of pop music.)

She once commented that all the music on her I-pod was the music played in parks to discourage people from congregating there.  Funny.

 7.  I think I must be closing in on my second blogging anniversary.  I'll have to go back and look.  sigh Work, work, work.

I look forward to reading your fragments!  If you can write once school is out!

Extreme Gratitude Mode

I think I am consistently aware of how blessed I am.  My folks used to have a wall plaque in their kitchen that read, "For food and friends, we give Thee thanks".  And they were truly thankful, I know.

But this week I have been so aware of the sheer volume of good things that I'm provided with that I can't help but be in awe!

Over the weekend, I got to spend time with a few of my favorites.  My sisters, my older daughter and I got to spend some time together in weather that was just exactly what I would order, if the weatherman made me a consultant.  It was sunny, a little breezy, and just warm enough.

I have all the raw materials I need for all upcoming creative endeavors.  I have the means to buy more if my plan changes.

I still have my sight and mobility.  I feel even better this year than last year.

And my friends!  I can't begin to praise them enough.  They tease me, they challenge me, they share stuff.with me, and sometimes they spend their day off, shopping and schlepping me around their town, like Keetha did yesterday.  I got to visit Cranberry Creek, and meet "E-Lois", and get fresh cheese curds at the cheese factory.  We strolled along the Big River, she took pictures, I got to know more about her interesting city.

After that I got  to have a fun evening with two of my favorite men, Good Guy---of course, and Brotherbob.  And the whole day went by---and I didn't lose anything-----at least nothing I have noticed yet!  Hooray for me!

I hope you too, have much to be thankful for!

Frosty Friday

Hi-ho, people.  I'm linking to Friday Fragments at Half Past Kissin' Time---not because I have such fascinating stuff to share, but I miss you when I'm gone.

The holiday weekend found us living the High Life on Mackinac Island, where Saturday was beautiful, Sunday was blustery and rainy, and Monday was a bit better than Sunday.

I felt for the wedding parties who were headquartered at the Grand Hotel, trying to get to the church in horse drawn carriages in all their beautiful finery.  It must have been quite an interesting day.

Good Guy has planted tomatoes and I have flower urns filled----and we have had "frost advisories" past two  nights.  It isn't that unusual here for that to happen, so I'm not that amazed or disgruntled, but I am relieved that it is 44 degrees.  I will say that.  (My peas and cucumbers are up.)

I think the blackbird nestlings must be learning to fly, because I got screeched at, loud and long, when I went out to the garage yesterday morning.  I can't figure out where they have decided to nest this year.  For years there were blackbirds nesting in the eaves of the garage across the alley.  But they repaired the soffit and the birds can't access their favorite place.  That had them squawking for a few days as well.

One year we had mourning doves nesting on top of our garage door opener mechanism in the garage. They stayed there, but I worried about the babies flying out of that nest and onto the cement.  We had to have the car washed quite often, too.  Heh.

The UP's wildfires continue to burn, and the paper said last night that there may be smoldering spots that continue all summer.  Bummer!!  We are not near the affected area, but we were relieved to get some measurable rainfall over the weekend.  We need rain badly after a winter of little snow.

Well, it isn't much, but I'm looking forward to reading what the other Fragmenters have found to contribute.  Have a great weekend and I hope June is bustin' out all over where you are too.